2018 BikeWale Track Day - Ducati SuperSport S

Gallery Introduction What makes it special?What I think it can do The track test Last words

Introduction

You have just one life. Better buy a Ducati Supersport S’. This is the kind of advice you want to hear from someone when you start shopping for a new bike. Because the voice in your head egging you on may not be enough to justify this expenditure. If you need further justification, then you might check out our Kochi first ride story where we tried out this Italian beauty for the first time with delightful results. Remembering the joy we felt then while riding this bike, we decided to bring the Supersport S to the second edition of the BikeWale Trackday. This event is not about picking out the best bikes, but getting the best ones to the track and celebrating it. And that´s something which is totally in line with the spirit of a Supersport S.

This year we decided to bring bikes that have a connection with the streetfighters. Because they are the most practical and comfortable bikes one can have. So the Supersport S that you see here might look like a fully-faired sports bike, but it has the underpinnings from some of its naked bikes. The frame is from the Monster, the motor is from the exciting Hypermotord and the gorgeous design comes from one of the best looking bikes in the world, the Panigale (which is obviously not a naked bike). This makes the Supersport S one of three vehicles being most ogled at the Madras Motorsport Race Track. The other two were the bright Audi R8 and the blistering Mercedes-Benz AMG GTR.

What makes it special?

It’s a Ducati, so let’s say it is super special. Its rich heritage and outstanding brand value makes it the perfect bedroom poster brand. The Supersport S is the epitome of styling and that won it the ‘most beautiful bike of 2017 EICMA’ award. It´s not all appearances with this bike though. This Italian is laden with top-of- the-line specs. Whether it be brakes, suspension or electronics, Ducati had clearly decided to give it only the best of the best. So it has fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo M4 brakes and electronics that can be seen only on sports cars and some spaceships. And to top it all, there’s the bright red paint scheme that tends to grab your attention instantly.

What I think it can do

I’m expecting the Supersport S to be friendly and agile. My previous stint with it at Kochi made me realise the true potential of this bike. But back then, I was limited to just road riding. Now, with the full circuit at hand, my expectations have sky-rocketed, especially in the handling department. I think this Ducati can leave me in awe by the end of the session. Did it? Well, keep reading.

The track test

We didn’t have to do hot laps. We didn’t have to hand over the keys to an expert. We didn’t even have to go berserk on the track. The instructions were clear - enjoy the bike; and my god, what enjoyment it was! The 110bhp mill, multiple riding modes and tonnes of traction control settings meant that the Supersport S wouldn’t kill me.

I exited the pits with a big grin because I was the centre of attraction, only to realise later that it wasn’t me. It was this Ducati! After some tyre scrubbing session, there I was, opening up the throttle a bit more after every passing lap. The controlled environment made me unleash this motorcycle the way it was supposed to be. And not for a single moment did I think that this bike is too big for MMRT. The 110bhp engine is good enough to ride through the start-finish straight, a place where you can keep the throttle open for the maximum time. This is where the strong torque from the 937cc L-Twin surges, taking the bike to speeds that should be seen only if you’d a GoPro on. Because if you did look down the clocks, you’ll have very little time planning the C1 braking. But that’s fine for the Supersport S, thanks to the availability of Brembo M4s that are known for its incredible braking abilities. At one point, with the least TC setting, this Brembo managed to lift the rear wheel a bit, which by the way, was unintentional.

I was blown away by the friendly nature of this 210kg beast. Corner after corner, I realised I shouldn’t have stopped working out. It’s not because it was difficult handling this motorcycle. But with a fitter body, there’s so much more I could have accomplished with this Ducati. Be it on the straights, corners or chicanes. The bike feels light in corner entries and there’s great amount of feedback from the front. The corner exit speeds can always be more than you think. All you got to do is just trust the non-intrusive traction control system. The smooth and precise fuelling results in an experience that makes you feel different. Then there’s the star features of the bike, bi-directional quickshifter and auto-blipper. They work seamlessly and it’s a must-have feature if you’re on a race track. It saves a lot of effort and time for you, and that can be used to assess the next corner and braking. For someone as large as me, it’s not a difficult task to tuck yourself on the bike. Yes, someone with a large belly might complain, but then that’s what gyms are for. The windscreen is adjustable which means it gives more options to riders of all sizes.

Last words

Ducati refrains from calling the Supersport S as a track bike, because they have the Panigale for that. But the Supersport S is no less than that. It has excellent handling characteristics, a powerful motor and technologies from another planet. Plus, it has the looks that will make you go weak in your knees. This hero bike made the 2018 BikeWale Track Day a special and a memorable one. So when are you readying your cheque book?

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi